Flames Game Notebook -- 10/22/07

Notes, quotes and anecdotes from the Flames-Sharks game Monday at the Pengrowth Saddledome...

San Jose Sharks' Joe Thornton, left, digs for a rebound as Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, from Finland, hangs onto the puck during first period NHL hockey action in Calgary, Monday, Oct. 22, 2007.(AP Photo/Jeff McIntosh, The Canadian Press)

Eric Nystrom drew into the Flames line-up after being recalled from Quad City of the American Hockey League.

"We were on a road trip. All I have is a suit," laughed Nystrom.

Not that he is complaining. After an injury-plagued season last year in which he saw limited duty, he was sent to the minors during training camp.

"I have to play a simple game. Play physical and bring a lot of energy to the table," said Nystrom, a first round pick of the Flames in 2002.

Nystrom drew onto a line with Mark Smith and Eric Godard.

"He's not a real youngster. He is 24. We think he is capable of doing the job we ask of him," said head coach Mike Keenan.

Nystrom was recalled because of injuries to forwards David Moss (concussion) and Wayne Primeau (high ankle sprain). Both were hurt in Saturday's game against Edmonton.

Moss skated with the team on Wednesday morning but must go through the NHL protocol for concussions which requires him to do tests following physical exertion. He is listed as day-to-day. Primeau, however, is out at least six weeks with the high ankle sprain he suffered when he slid into the end boards awkwardly.

Kiprusoff pulled

Miikka Kiprusoff, playing against his former team, was pulled from the Calgary net in the second period after the Sharks went up 3-0.

He was replaced by Curtis McElhinney, who saw his first official NHL action.

Kiprusoff had gone the distance in every game for the Flames this season. The line on Monday was 36:22 minutes, 19 shots and three goals allowed.

Flames Line-up

Tanguay-Conroy-Iginla

Nilson-Yelle-Lombardi

Huselius-Langkow-Nolan

Nystrom-Smith-Godard

Defence Pairings:

Phaneuf-Aucoin

Regehr-Sarich

Warrener-Hale

Goalies:

Kiprusoff (S) McElhinney

Effort lacking, says Warrener

Defenceman Rhett Warrener didn't mince any words after the 4-1 loss.

"There are no easy games, no easy teams. I though this was a chance for us to test ourselves and we failed miserably," said Warrener, one of the team's assistant captains.

Why?

"Effort."

Tough period on Godard

Flames tough guy Eric Godard had a tough first period.

First, he appeared to score the first goal of the game. But it was reviewed and then disallowed. Godard has three goals in the NHL and two were reviewed before being allowed to stand. The third review proved unlucky.

Late in the first period he tangled with Alexei Semenov of the Sharks in a fight that started at the San Jose blueline. When it ended Godard had been upended into the Sharks bench.

In the third period he tangled with Sharks defenceman Douglas Murray and landed one big punch that cut the Shark.

Nolan joins the 1,000-game club

Owen Nolan better find some room is his garage.

The Calgary Flame forward was honoured prior to Monday's game against the San Jose Sharks and received an ATV from Flames players -- Nolan is an avid hunter. The camouflaged vehicle was wheeled onto the ice prior to the game.

Nolan also received a one-of-a-kind bottle of wine from the Sharks -- the bottle engraved with his name and the Sharks logo -- a team he played more than 500 games with.

He was also presented with the prestigious silver stick, symbolic of playing 1,000 games in the NHL, from Ron Sutter, one of the Flames pro scouts and a player who also played 1,000 games in the National Hockey League.

Others who have played in the milestone game with the Flames are Lanny McDonald 1986-87; Dave Lowry 2001-02; Craig Berube 2002-03 and Martin Gelinas 2003-04.

The Sharks were aware of Nolan reaching the milestone.

"Congratulations to him. I don't know if I will be able to make it that long," said Shark forward Joe Thornton with a smile.

Roenick a comfortable Shark

Jeremy Roenick appears to be settling down and playing hockey instead of making himself a show.

Roenick had planned on retirement and was doing some work on television but the Sharks came calling. He has been losing weight (he played last season at 210 pounds and has dropped to 195) and been placed on the top line with Joe Thornton as he searches for his 500th NHL goal. He is two goals shy and will become the third American to reach the mark when he scores.

"You don't see (500 goals) every day. He is special. Hopefully we can get it done and celebrate," said Thornton.

Added Sharks coach Ron Wilson: "He has a lot of gas in the tank. He is at 195 and sinking. I think he will be better at 190 pounds. In the new NHL carrying the extra weight doesn't make sense. It's not the bump and grind game anymore. He feels good abut himself. He doesn't have to say all these things to hide in a fog bank from what is going on on the ice. I am glad he is comfortable where he is. He has fit in nicely."